Non-subscribers

Algood council awards bid for fire hall expansion

After months of tabling the issue, a bid has been awarded for the expansion of the Algood fire hall.

Fuel Tank Maintenance was awarded the bid in the amount of $511,550.

"This is above what is already budgeted," Mayor Scott Bilbrey said.

Currently, the city has budgeted $500,000 for the project, with city public works employees doing most of the site work.

City manager Keith Morrison explained that the company needs to lock in subcontractors now.

"Some site work still needs to be done," he said. "The cost of that is not known, but it shouldn't be much more."

The expansion will sit on 2.5 acres next to the current building, property that the city purchased in 2011.

The expansion will feature six new vehicle bays and office space, which will make room for a 24-hour ambulance service. Emergency management services would have two bays in the original building while Algood fire will have the third one. First responder trucks and other equipment will be in the new area.

Currently, a 12-hour ambulance is stationed at the fire hall.

Once complete, the fire hall will have two additional emergency personnel.